Privacy Policy

VTM Valves’ commitment to privacy

E Schoen & Co Pty Ltd (ABN 30 000 463 187) t/as “ VTM Valves” (referred to as VTM) is committed to managing personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and in accordance with other applicable privacy laws.

This document sets out our policies for managing your personal information and is referred to as our Privacy Policy.

In this Privacy Policy, “we“ and “us” refers to VTM and “you” refers to any individual about whom we collect personal information.

About VTM

VTM is a family owned business with many years of proud tradition. Our company was established in 1964 in Orange NSW. VTM offers a range of plumbing supplies.

What information does VTM collect about you?

The types of personal information we collect from you will depend on the nature of your interaction with VTM.

(a)         Customers and prospective customers

When you enquire about our products or when you become a customer of VTM, a record is made which includes your personal information.

The type of personal information that we collect will vary depending on the circumstances of collection and the kind of service that you request from us, but will typically include:

(i)             your name, phone number, e-mail, postal address and other contact details;

(ii)            information about your employer or the organisation that you represent;

(iii)          your professional details, such as your job title; and

(iv)          any additional information you provide to us, or authorise us to collect, as part of your interaction with VTM.

(b)         Prospective employees or applicants

We collect personal information when recruiting personnel, such as your name, contact details, qualifications and work history. Generally, we will collect this information directly from you.

We may also collect personal information from third parties in ways which you would expect (for example, from recruitment agencies or referees you have nominated). Before offering you a position, we may collect additional details such as you tax file number and superannuation information necessary to assess your suitability for employment.

(c)        Other individuals

VTM’s websites use cookies. A “cookie” is a small file stored on your computer’s browser, which assists in managing customised settings of the website and delivering content. We collect certain information such as your device type, browser type, IP address, pages you have accessed on our websites and on third-party websites. You are not identifiable from such information.

You can use the settings in your browser to control how your browser deals with cookies. However, in doing so, you may be unable to access certain pages or content on our website.

VTM’s websites may contain links to a third-party websites. VTM is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of websites that are linked to our website.

Can you deal with VTM anonymously?

VTM will provide individuals with the opportunity of remaining anonymous or using a pseudonym in their dealings with us where it is lawful and practicable (for example, when making a general enquiry).

Generally, it is not practicable for VTM to deal with individuals anonymously or pseudonymously on an ongoing basis. If we do not collect personal information about you, you may be unable to, for example, place an order or participate in a promotion.

How Does VTM hold information?

VTM stores information in paper-based files or other electronic record keeping methods in secure databases (including trusted third-party storage providers based in Australia). Personal information may be collected in paper-based documents and converted to electronic form for   use or storage (with the original paper-based documents either archived or securely destroyed). We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference and loss from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure.

VTM maintains physical security over paper and electronic data stores, such as through locks and security systems at our premises. We also maintain computer and network security, for example, we use firewalls (security measures for the internet) and other security systems such as user identifiers and passwords to control access to our computer systems.

Our website does not use encryption or other technologies to ensure the secure transmission information via the internet. Users of our websites are encouraged to exercise care in sending personal information via the internet.

We take steps to destroy or de-identify information that we no longer require.

Does VTM use or disclose your personal information for direct marketing?

VTM may use or disclose your personal information for the purpose of informing you about our products, upcoming promotions, or other opportunities that may interest you. If you do not want to receive direct marketing communications, you can opt-out at any time by contacting us using the contact details below.

If you opt-out of receiving marketing material from us, VTM may still contact you in relation to its ongoing relationship with you.

How does VTM use and disclose personal information?

We use and discloser personal information for different purposes.

(a)        For customers

How can you access or seek correction of your personal information?

You are entitled to access your personal information held by VTM on request. To request access to your personal information please contact us using the contact details set out below.

You will not be charged for making a request to access your personal information but you may be charged for the reasonable time and expense incurred in compiling information in response to your request.

We will take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up-to-date. You can help us to do this by letting us know if you notice errors or discrepancies in information we hold about you and letting us know if your personal details change.

However, if you consider any personal information we hold about you is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading you are entitled to request correction of the information. After receiving a request from you, we will take reasonable steps to correct your information.

We may decline your request to access or correct your personal information in certain circumstances in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. If we do refuse your request, we will provide you with a reason for our decision and, in the case of a request for correction, we will include a statement with your personal information about the requested correction.

What should you do if you have a complaint about the handing of your personal information?

You may contact VTM at any time if you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or about the way in which your personal information has been handled.

You may make a complaint about privacy to VTM using the contact details set out below.

We will first consider your complaint to determine whether there are simple or immediate steps which can be taken to resolve the complaint. We will generally respond to your complaint within a week.

If your complaint requires more detailed consideration or investigation, we will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within a week and endeavour to complete our investigation into your complaint promptly.

We may ask you to provide further information about your complaint and the outcome you are seeking.

We will then typically gather relevant facts, locate and review relevant documents and speak with individuals involved.

In most cases, we will investigate and respond to a complaint within 30days of receipt of the complaint. If the matter is more complex or our investigation may take longer, we will let you know.

If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint, or you consider that VTM may have breached the Australian Privacy Principals or the Privacy Act, a complaint may be made to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner can be contacted by telephone on 1300 363 992 or by using the contact details on the website www.oaic.gov.au.

How changes are made to this Privacy Policy?

VTM may mend this Privacy Policy from time to time. We recommend that you visit our website regularly to keep up with any changes.

How can you contact VTM?

The contact details for VTM are:

Mr. Eddie Halcroft, VTM Privacy Officer